Synopsis

The space shuttle Discovery is returning to Earth when its engines blow out. The mission commander Kevin is forced to dump much of the oxygen supply but is still unable to prevent the shuttle from crashing into the ocean. After skipping across the surface, the shuttle sinks down some 250 feet. The previous mission commander Ben locates them in a mini-sub and announces that he will stay there until the rescue mission arrives in 16 hours time. Ben is crewwoman Amanda's husband and they have just gone through a painful separation. During the separation she spent the night with Kevin who is now certain that he loves her. This triangle creates tensions within the confined space of the shuttle. Moreover, it is discovered that Kevin has recklessly used most of the remaining oxygen supplies to protect the shuttle's satellite payload from seawater, leaving them with not enough air to last until the rescue ship comes.